It started with an entrepreneurship class at Kansas State University.
That’s where Avian Gerdes met Jamie Coones and heard the success story of how Coones co-founded Poo Squad with his wife, Ashley. The dog waste removal business, which was founded in 2017, now has over 20 locations across the United States.
At the time, Gerdes noticed there were none in Illinois.
“I had a meeting with (Coones) a week later after the class, and we just kind of talked about things,” he said. “And I was like, ‘This sounds like an awesome opportunity, and there’s not one anywhere close to our area at all.’”
Gerdes opened Poo Squad Champaign a little over a month ago and has been pleased by the response so far.
“I’ve had some people that are like, ‘You know, I saw your ad. I didn’t even know this was something offered. This is awesome,’” he said. “I’ve had quite a few old people that can’t get out to do it themselves, and they’ve called me up.”
In addition to dog waste removal at residential and commercial properties, the business also offers a sanitation treatment that deodorizes the yard and kills bacteria, Gerdes said.
He’ll travel up to about an hour for a one-time job and about 30 to 40 minutes for a weekly or twice-weekly customer. His service area includes Champaign-Urbana, Mahomet, Danville, Rantoul, Savoy, St. Joseph, Ogden, Homer, Sidney and Thomasboro.
“Some yards, I’ve scooped 30 to 50 gallons’ worth of poop,” Gerdes said. “… It’s been a while since they’ve seen their yard look that clean. So whenever you’re able to do that for them, it just makes a huge difference, especially now with springtime coming.”
And the waste doesn’t go to waste; Gerdes takes it back to his family’s farm to use as fertilizer.
Gerdes, who also works on the farm, hopes to eventually make Poo Squad Champaign his full-time job and hire other employees.
“It’s a pretty easy job,” he said. “It’s not a lot of stress. You just put in your Airpods and go to work.”
Champaign bar close to opening
Amy’s Place, a new LGBTQ+ dance bar at 120 N. First St., has obtained its local liquor license, according to a Facebook post from the business.
Owner Amy Beth Myers indicated that getting the state liquor license is one of the final items on her to-do-list before she’s able to open.
It’s been about 18 months since Myers first announced her plans to open a gay bar.
Park district and partners present youth basketball clinics
The Champaign Park District, DH Workouts and Dick’s House of Sport will present a basketball skills camp on April 4 at the Leonhard Recreation Center. There will be a 10 to 11:30 a.m. clinic for first- through fifth-graders and a noon to 1:30 p.m. clinic for sixth- through ninth-graders.
“The DH Workouts staff has trained numerous Division 1 and professional basketball players and will provide a high-level training environment focusing on skill development, competition, and building confidence on the court,” park district officials said. “We are asking all participants to wear their Illini apparel in hopes that Illinois is playing that weekend so we can show our support and create a great atmosphere at camp.”
Registration is available at champaignparks.org.
Vegan Chef Challenge returns
The fourth annual Champaign Vegan Chef Challenge kicks off Wednesday and runs through April 30.
Over 20 restaurants in the Champaign-Urbana area have signed up for this year’s challenge, organizers said. The businesses will compete for votes by presenting special vegan options.
More information, including a list of participating businesses, can be found at veganchefchallenge.org/Champaign/.
Nonprofit presents trivia night fundraiser
Willow Tree Missions will host its fifth annual trivia night fundraiser at the Monticello Community Building on April 25. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m.
“Our Trivia Night is one of a couple of fundraisers we do throughout the year, and it is always so well received by the community that we usually sell out of seats!” said Executive Director Jill Maxey. “It’s a great evening to gather your friends for a bit of fun and rivalry and come out and support Willow Tree Missions.”
The event includes a dessert auction with items from local bakers and a 50/50 drawing. Organizers encourage attendees to bring their own dinner and drinks, as food and beverages will not be provided.
Tickets are available at willowtreemissions.org and cost $25 per person or $200 for a table of up to 10.
Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the nonprofit’s Family Service Center, Maxey said. The center helps victims of domestic abuse.
